The planetary nebula NGC 1360, a test case of magnetic collimation and evolution after the fast wind

TL;DR

This paper investigates the magnetic collimation and evolutionary processes of the planetary nebula NGC 1360, using detailed spectral and imaging data to model its structure and development after the fast stellar wind phase.

Contribution

It introduces a model that successfully explains the nebula's features by considering magnetic collimation and wind cessation, providing insights into nebular evolution.

Findings

Model reproduces key features of NGC 1360

Magnetic fields influence nebula structure

Fast wind has ceased, affecting evolution

Abstract

The central star of this nebula has an observed intense magnetic field and the fast wind is no longer present, indicating that a back flow process has probably developed. Long-slit, spatially resolved echelle spectra have been obtained across the main body of NGC 1360 and over its system of bipolar jets. Deep images of the knotty structures of the jets have also been obtained. The data allow a detailed study of the structure and kinematics of this object and the results are modeled considering the effects of a magnetic collimation process in the development of the nebula and then switching off the fast stellar wind to follow its evolution to its current state. The model is able to successfully reproduce many of the key features of NGC 1360 under these premises.